The Experimental Aircraft Association's restored B-17 bomber Aluminum Overcast, visits Ukiah Municipal Airport in Ukiah, May 14 - 15, one of more than 30 stops during the 2013 "Experience History" national tour.

The first portion of EAA's tour schedule includes nine stops in four states between April 29 and June 3. The year-long tour will continue into the summer, with the airplane back "home" for the full week of EAA's annual AirVenture Celebration on July 29 - Aug. 4 in Oshkosh, Wis.

Since EAA began the tours of the aircraft in 1994, tens of thousands of people have experienced this unique airplane through its flights and ground tours. Known as "The Flying Fortress," the B-17 bomber is considered one of the greatest military airplanes ever built and one of the best known aircraft types of the World War II era.

"For 20 years, EAA's national B-17 tour is America's most popular way to learn about this unique aircraft in an up-close way," said Jack Pelton, EAA chairman. "EAA is dedicated to preserving the spirit of aviation through these B-17 tours. It is more than the flight of a historic aircraft ? it is an emotional connection to the men and women who were part of The Greatest Generation' and the sacrifices they made to benefit us in subsequent generations."

At each stop, flight "missions" are available, which allow people to experience this spectacular aircraft from the air. For more information, including rates for flights and ground tours, visit Uwww.B17.orgUH or contact EAA's B-17 Tour Office at 800-359-6217. Special pre-book rates on flights are available for EAA members and non-members.

EAA's "Aluminum Overcast" was built in 1945, but was delivered to the Army Air Corps too late to see active service in World War II. The B-17 was donated to the EAA Aviation Foundation in 1981 with the provision of the aircraft being maintained in airworthy condition. After being displayed at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis., for a decade, the airplane made its national tour debut in the spring of 1994.

EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 177,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to HUwww.eaa.orgUH. For continual news updates, connect with HUwww.twitter.com/EAAupdateUH.